Is anyone else doing a no spend challenge?

Does it count if I should be but I’m not?

No, I realize some people work well with a "challenge", but I think they are silly. Am I trying to spend less in the new year? Yes. Am I going to refrain from buying something we need? No.

I am now because my 11 year old dog was just diagnosed with Cushings.  His prescription medication is almost $5 a capsule and he has one capsule per day.  Almost $150 a month!!!!  

I will once his dosage is set.  He goes back to the vet in 3 weeks to see what his levels are and if the dosage has to change.  I plan to switch to Chewy or 1800petmeds, something like that.  

Sort of? I’m not doing any craft spending through the rest of the month. Well, I planned not to but then I was gifted a lot more acrylic inks and disorganization makes me stabby so my husband suggested I order a wall holder before then. 

And, as always, it’s just after the holidays and the beginning of the year so mentally I’m trying to rein it in, in general. Just haven’t decided absolutely no spending like in this particular category. 

Kind of?
I'm not a big shopper to begin with. I am being more aware of what I bring into the house. I'm more of a pick up something as an impulse item shopper than anything else. I have plenty of clothes and shoes. Our house feels balanced in terms of belongings (except for two closets: travel and extra linens that need to be gone through). I just want to keep our home uncluttered, so items that do come in have a specific purpose and place to live.

I am trying to be more mindful while shopping. We were doing good with not eating out but last night I just couldn’t cook and my husband had a long week so Little Caesars it was. It’s the easiest in and out and I didn’t care as I was hungry.

I’m trying to spend less and using what we have but I did buy some craft items, did I need them? no, but I will enjoy them. Not going to beat myself up over them either. That said I am trying to be better with my spending. I’m trying to bring less into the house. I am also working on organizing snd purging stuff from the house this year.

I am trying to use pantry items snd stuff from the freezer but have bought some meat on sale snd some cod from Costco as I want to start eating healthier. Some of these will also go in the freezer.

I am. And two weeks into the new year I’ve already failed. Onward and upward? 😩

I'm not an impluse buyer and pretty well manage my budget, so I don't really find a need to do a no spend month.

But what I need is no food for a month. Ate way too much over the holidays. Starts in September with family birthdays about every 2 weeks. Gotta buy Halloween candy in case a trick-or-treater shows, but knows we are lucky if we get 2-4. Then of course Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years!
Did have an appointment with doctor the 2nd of Jan and I was down 13 lbs since May. Would have loved to see the number had I not ate the last 4 months of the year like food was scarce.

Same 🙄😬😂

I’m for the second one. Not waiting for a new starting point but deciding right then that you will keep moving forward. We’re always waiting to start at a defined time or when the situation is perfect and for the most part, I think that sets us back. Things don’t have to be perfect to continue moving forward, ya know? A long time pea (2peafaithful, not sure if she made it over here) had a line in her signature that I really liked. People, not perfection. That goes for ourselves too. 

Just curious what heart meds for your dog are that expensive? Wondering if there could be cheaper alternatives...my pets are all still young, not looking forward to the day they all start getting old. 😢

I’m doing the opposite of a no spend challenge 😊

I planned the work on my home for January…painting and new flooring.

I have already shopped for new light switches and outlet plugs along with plates for them, new vent covers, a mattress and bedding for my son, a toilet paper stand for one bathroom, 3 lamps, a small bookcase for my son, 3 wall charger/surge protectors, two toilets and an almost $500 order (Kallax and inserts) from IKEA. 

Today I have to buy more packing tape and I’m going to look for new hand towels for both bathrooms. Friday I’m going shopping for a couch. Still on my list are blinds for 5 windows and a sliding door, a rod and shower curtain, a new paper towel holder and clock for the kitchen and new bedding for myself.  I think I may be done for quite some time after that!

I have a refrigerator and dishwasher being delivered on February 2 but I bought those in November. 

As a single person who mostly supported my daughter and granddaughter for several years and fully supports my son, I am extremely proud that I can not only do all of this but do it without generating debt. If I had to take a loan or use credit cards I wouldn’t be buying anything or having any work done.